Deshaun Watson Wins 2015-16 Manning Award: Latest Comments, Reaction

Deshaun Watson of Clemson was announced as the winner of the 2015-16 Manning Award as the top quarterback in college football Thursday.

Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports passed along word of the selection by the Sugar Bowl Committee. Watson led the Tigers to a 14-1 record, with the only loss coming to Alabama in the national title game.

He joins a star-studded winners list that includes Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Jameis Winston. The award, first handed out in 2004, also holds the distinction of being college's only quarterback honor that includes postseason performance, according to the Sugar Bowl's official site.

Watson accounted for more than 5,200 total yards of offense (4,104 passing and 1,105 rushing) and 47 touchdowns during his breakout sophomore campaign.

Although Clemson did fall short of its ultimate goal with a 45-40 loss to the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night, the team's quarterback still shined. He threw for over 400 yards with four touchdowns in the losing effort.

After the loss, he talked with Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry of Alabama and later explained how that influenced his outlook looking toward next season, per Ted Miller of ESPN.com.

"He's the Heisman winner, national champion, so I'm trying to do the same thing," Watson said. "Just learn from the guys that have been there and done it."

Watson will be among the returning players for the Tigers next season, and his presence is the main reason they are already being considered among the early favorites. His upside is tremendous if he can continue building on the positive strides made during his second season.

Winning the Manning Award might be merely a consolation prize after falling just short of raising the championship trophy, but it does recognize the tremendous season Watson had from start to finish.